‘Can’t believe it’s not rarest of rare’ — Mamata seeks death penalty in RG Kar rape and murder, promises to appeal ruling

“From the first day, we’ve been demanding capital punishment. The case was taken away from us (Kolkata Police), and the Central Bureau of Investigation did the investigation. There should have been ultimate punishment for a person who committed such a crime,” Banerjee said while speaking with the media in Murshidabad.

Later, the CM said her government would appeal the ruling in court and seek the death penalty for Roy. In the aftermath of the rape and murder, the Trinamool Congress held rallies and dharnas demanding the death penalty for Roy.

“I strongly feel that it is a heinous crime that warrants capital punishment. We will plead for capital punishment of the convict at the high court now. In the R.G. Kar junior doctor’s rape and murder case, I’m really shocked to see that the court judgment finds that it’s not the rarest of rare case,” she said on X. ‘We want and insist upon the death penalty in this most sinister and sensitive case. Recently, in the last 3/4 months, we have been able to ensure capital/ maximum punishment for convicts in such crimes. Then, why, in this case, has capital punishment not been awarded?”

Meanwhile, Governor C V Ananda Bose called for stronger measures to ensure women’s safety. According to a press communiqué from Raj Bhawan, the governor emphasized that while the judicial punishment in such cases is important, “it alone cannot address the broader societal issues contributing to increasing incidents of violence against women”.

“Punishment, no matter how severe, does not end the problems. The rising incidences of rapes, assaults, and murders are alarming and reflect a deeper societal malaise. It is imperative that the government implements a robust and proactive policy to combat these atrocities and ensure the safety of women, especially in sensitive environments such as medical institutions,” he said, adding that the Raj Bhawan will convene a meeting with all relevant stakeholders to address the issue and will bring the recommendations to the notice of the government for immediate appropriate action.

On August 9, the body of the doctor was found at RG Kar medical college hospital, triggering an indefinite strike from doctors. In response to the case, the West Bengal assembly passed the Aparajita Women and Child (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) Bill 2024 proposing harsh penalties, such as the capital punishment, for rapes and sexual abuse. The Bill, which the assembly passed last September, is currently pending presidential assent.